3 full days spent in Cairns
Cairns is not only a key entry point for adventures on the Great Barrier Reef, but it also provides thrilling treks to a rainforest hamlet, opportunities to explore Aboriginal culture, and a wide variety of activities that will get your heart racing.
Sue Gough Henly and Leah Dobihal are the authors of this.
Explore the depths of the Great Barrier Reef to uncover its hidden treasures. Fly under the canopy of the tropical forest on an excursion on the Skyrail, and then ride a historic train into the heart of the jungle, passing through gorges and waterfalls.
Experience Aboriginal culture in a way that is both personal and profound. And take it easy and enjoy the laid-back lifestyle offered by Australia’s primary tropical port of call.
What may be anticipated
Plunge into the escapades of the Great Barrier Reef.
Take part in the world’s oldest culture that is still practiced today.
Discover beaches, local markets, and rainforests that are recognized on the World Heritage List.
Quick information
Time: 3 days
Distance: 200 km (124 miles)
Three modes of transport: a vehicle, a boat, and a train
Price: $$$
DAY 1: EXPLORE CAIRNS
Did you know?
The Cairns area is home to some of the world’s biggest lava tubes, which can be seen at the neighboring Undara National Park. These tubes are around 190,000 years old and are the largest of their kind.
Morning
Breakfast may be had at Caffiend, which is a laneway café that serves meals like chilli eggs and French toast along with cold drip coffee and coconut lattes as a way to start the day.
You may get tropical fruit, gourmet bush tucker, seafood, plantation coffee and tea, as well as hand-made soaps, chocolates, and crafts at the neighboring Rusty’s Markets, which are open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
At the Cairns Zoom and Wildlife Dome, you may get your pulse racing by zipping over a crocodile on a zip line or by holding a koala. Both of these activities will be available to you.
Before indulging in an outdoor meal at Yaya’s Hellenic Kitchen or The Raw Prawn, you may cool down in the enormous saltwater lagoon that is located on Cairns Esplanade, which serves as the social and recreational core of the city.
Cairns is also the entry point to the Great Barrier Reef, which is often regarded as the most enchanted aquatic habitat on the planet.
You may spend the day on a snorkeling or diving excursion if you just can’t contain your excitement about getting wet. Ocean Spirit, Reef Magic, and Great Adventures all go to various reefs and islands on their respective itineraries.
When you take a trip with Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel, you’ll get to see this ancient underwater environment from a new point of view.
Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel’s Indigenous rangers, who have ancestral links to the sea region you’ll visit, will tell you the tale of how the Great Barrier Reef was formed as you snorkel and dive with them.
In addition to that, they will lead you on a snorkel tour of two prime reefs so that you may have a deeper comprehension of the long-standing interaction that has existed between humans and marine life.
Afternoon
At the Cairns Botanic Gardens, you may go on an adventure through the rainforest, the mangrove parks, and the tropical gardens. Pay a visit to the Tank Arts Centre, a modern arts center that is situated in three repurposed oil storage tanks from World War II.
Alternately, you may go white water rafting on the Barron River, ride in a hot air balloon, or take a trip with Fitzroy Island Adventures to go snorkeling or sea kayaking on Fitzroy Island, which is the island that is the closest to the mainland.
Bungee jumping and tandem skydiving are two examples of activities that pack a greater punch of excitement. The best way to end the day is with a supper at Salt House, which has a tropical theme and comes replete with marina views that are picture perfect and seafood that will make your mouth wet.
Enjoy your stay at the Pullman Cairns International Hotel, which is conveniently located within walking distance of both the cruise port and the Cairns Esplanade.
DAY 2: KURANDA AND PORT DOUGLAS
Morning Get up early today and decide whether you want to spend the morning in the alpine hamlet of Kuranda or drive directly to Port Douglas, a beach town that provides easy access to the outer Great Barrier Reef.
Those of you who are going to Kuranda will have an experience that is just as breathtaking as when you get there. The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway ride to Kuranda takes about an hour and a half and travels over the rainforest canopy.
Along the way, the ride dips through two rainforest stations where passengers may promenade amid palm trees and enormous ferns. The Edge Lookout is a steel and glass platform that gives panoramic views of the waterfall as it rushes into the deep abyss that is fringed with rainforest in the Barron Gorge.
It is located at the Skyrail’s Barron Falls Station, so be sure not to miss it when you get there. To get back to Cairns, take the Kuranda Scenic Railway, which will take you there after a journey of around two hours and will take you under old bridges, through deep rainforest, and past crashing waterfalls and breathtaking gorges.
If you are eager to see more of the reef, get an early start from Cairns and drive to Port Douglas; the trip will take approximately one hour. Consider booking a day trip to see the breathtaking outer reef. Calypso, Wavelength, and Quicksilver are all examples of companies that provide full-day excursions.
Afternoon
After arriving from Kuranda or completing your reef tour, reward yourself with some well-deserved relaxation in a tropical setting.
Relax and rejuvenate at one of the day spas in the area, such as Niramaya and Port Douglas Day Spa, or take a walk along Macrossan Street, the town’s main drag, which is lined with cafés, restaurants, and retail establishments.
There is a good chance that you will come upon a place that serves a delectable meal, such as the well-known Italian restaurant Sassi La Cucina or the modern Australian restaurant Watergate.
DAY 3: THE DAINTREE RAINFOREST
Morning
Have a relaxing morning in Port Douglas before setting out for the Daintree Rainforest, which is widely regarded as one of the most impressive natural marvels in all of Australia.
After a trip of around an hour and a half, you will find yourself in the midst of the meandering vines and bright leaves that give the Daintree its reputation as a must-see destination.
You are free to go on your own adventure across the landscape covered in vines, or you may take advantage of the rich knowledge held by the traditional Aboriginal owners of the area. Take the Daintree Dreaming Tour offered by Adventure North Australia.
During this tour, you will be guided through the saltwater homeland of the Kubirri-Warra people by brothers Linc and Brandon Walker. You will spear crabs, which will then be cooked up in their mother’s house and eaten at a communal table.
With the help of Walkabout Cultural Adventures, you can retrace the steps of the ancestors of the Kuku Yalanji Rainforest Aboriginal people.
Along the way, you’ll discover directional markers that have been subtly carved into tree trunks by hunters, as well as bush medicine that is growing right in front of your nose, and a lot more.
Afternoon
After you have developed a stronger connection with the natural world, reward yourself by spending some time in a luxurious tree home with a view of the Mossman River.
You may enjoy a moment of peace and rejuvenation at the on-site spa at Silky Oaks Lodge, or you can fly over the tropical jungle in a hot air balloon or helicopter.
The journey back to Cairns will bring your vacation to a close.
Topic: 3 full days spent in Cairns
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I am arguably the most popular Australian writer of all time. I am from the town of Karrinyup in rural Western Australia. When I was young, I was fascinated by the unique landscape of Australia, and I decided to support himself by writing books about the Australian landscape.
